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HS1 SUB-COMMITTEE
Leading Solutions for Better Connectivity for St Pancras High Speed & International Services
Chaired by Sojan Joseph MP for Ashford, the Sub-Committee meets regularly to advance the case for better connections, service provision and economic benefits to the County. Region and National economies.
The HS1 Sub-Committee has been established by the Thames Estuary APPG to support the dialogue and campaigns to improve connectivity to the high-speed service to London St. Pancras, including international service stops in Kent.
PURPOSE
The Sub-Committee’s purpose is to champion HS1 as a key economic asset, restore international stops at Ashford and Ebbsfleet, promote greater passenger and freight use, and ensure fair market access for new entrants.
Latest Sub-Committee Activities
12th November 2025
The APPG's HS1 Sub-Committee met on 12th November 2025 to primarily review the Office of Rail and Road ruling on capacity at Temple Mills, consider implications for reinstating Kent’s international rail services, and agree next steps for engaging operators and government.
Attending from L to R: Cllr Vince Maple; Cllr Diccon Spain; Cllr Noel Ovenden; Martin Jones, ORR; Wendy Spinks, St Pancras High Speed; Cllr Linden Kemkaran; Sojan Joseph MP; Cllr Jeremy Kite; Kevin McKenna MP.
23rd June 2026
The APPG's HS1 Sub-Committee met on 23rd June 2026 and featured an opportunity for delegates to hear from Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE (Minister of State for Rail) about the Government's position and intentions with respect to the support of the reopening of the Kent International stations. Lord Hendy kindly gave time to engage in a Q&A session. The summary note of the meeting can be found in the sub-committee's notes and key documents section on this page.
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